Donal C. O'Brien's leadership has helped position ASF as the leading wild Atlantic salmon advocate from local watersheds to the international arena. Before becoming Chairman of ASF (U.S.) in 1993, Mr. O'Brien had long been involved in protecting the environment and conserving natural resources.

Under his leadership, ASF helped develop an international blueprint for saving wild salmon, conducts leading-edge ocean and river research, and reached a Conservation Agreement with Greenland's commercial salmon fishermen that suspended that fishery.

Mr. O'Brien was elected to the ASF (U.S.) Board of Directors in 1979 and ASF (Canada) in 1992. He served as Chairman of ASF's Nominating, Development, and Executive Committees and Vice-Chairman of the Management Board, where he helped integrate ASF's efforts with those of its seven Regional Councils and 150 River Affiliates. Mr. O'Brien initiated the decision to merge the Management Board with ASF (Canada) and ASF (U.S.) and to hold joint Board meetings of the two organizations.

Mr. O'Brien served as Commissioner of the Connecticut Board of Fisheries and Game. He also served on the Connecticut Council on Environmental Quality over a 35-year period by appointment of four Governors, serving his last two terms as Chairman.